One lunch companion, a middle-class Brit, habitually tried to scoop up the money and pocket it. I had to either defend my right to leave a gratuity or ignore her theft. I chose the former. She was totally Unembarrassed, which shocked me. Once she actually went back to the table to steal the tip after we had left the restaurant. After that, I always handed money to the waiter. Funny thing is, she seemed totally infused at being caught. I was in my early 20s and had been hospitalized with a high fever and pericardial effusion.